How to Have an Efficient Kitchen with No Uppers

Kitchens have come a very long way since the 80’s and 90’s. We are seeing beautiful yet efficient kitchens that feel more like works of art and less like your typical kitchen. There’s less oak and more marble and streamline appliances. Kitchens have become brighter and fresher by design. One trend that is taking over is not having upper cabinets. Yes, absolutely no upper cabinets. In fact, I just renovated my own kitchen and took all of the “uppers” far, far away. It immediately made the space feel bigger and lighter. Some people question this choice because of the lack of storage. Well, I have some tips and tricks to add storage to gorgeous, upper- cabinet- free kitchens!

If you are working with an island, make sure to create storage within the island. You can store platters, cookie trays and so much more in the island. You could even store smaller appliances here. Point is, make use of your island other than just counter space.Photographer: Eric Roth | Caesarstone: Concrete

Most of the time, people have too much stuff in their kitchens. During my renovation, I went through each cabinet and gave away items I hadn’t used in years. I forgot about half my dishes because they were lost in the cabinets! Have a day of cleaning your cabinets just to see what you still have around. You will be surprised with how little you actually do use.

For your lowers, be smart with the cabinetry. Use custom storage details inside to make your dishes, baking tools, and cooking supplies organized. Having no uppers makes for a clean space that helps you notice the gorgeous appliances and hardware in the room. Whether you are a minimalist or maximalist, you can make it work for you. Without uppers, you can appreciate the materials and textures within the room.

Don’t be afraid of this look. You will absolutely love what it does to your kitchen space! Share with us your experience with no uppers and how you've been able to maximize your space by commenting below!

Kirsten Grove has always had a passion for interior design. Simply Grove is Kirsten's creative outlet for all things aesthetically beautiful. Started in 2008 as a way to show off eye catching design and decor from all over the world, Simply Grove has become a hang-out for like-minded creatives with a love of interiors and an appetite for design eye-candy. You will also find Kirsten featured in publications and sites like Better Homes and Gardens, Lucky Magazine, RealLiving Magazine, Elle Decor.com, HGTV.com and Design Sponge to just name a few. She was also named one of Babble’s Top 50 Design Mom Bloggers of 2011 and has been a speaker at Alt Summit 2011, 2012 and 2013.